Bridging the Disaster Protection Gap in Asia, Starting from Climate Risk Realities
Friday, March 27 | 8:30am – 12:30pm
Asia faces rising climate risks and significant protection gaps for natural disasters. This half-day forum brings together climate scientists, insurers, investors, and real estate leaders to explore how the region can shift from understanding climate threats to transferring and ultimately reducing them through innovative financial tools and resilient building strategies. Join senior voices from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Wisconsin School of Business (WSB), industry, and government as they map out the next wave of disaster risk solutions for a more secure, climate-ready Asia.
Location
HKUST Business School Central
Rm 1501-02, 15/F Hong Kong Club Building, 3A Chater Road
Schedule
All times are subject to change
| 8:30–9:00 a.m. | Registration, coffee, and networking |
| 9:00–9:20 a.m. | Welcome remarks Vallabh Sambamurthy, Albert O. Nicholas Dean, Wisconsin School of Business Alexis Lau, head and chair professor, Division of Environment and Sustainability, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology King Leung, global head of financial services, fintech and sustainability, InvestHK |
| 9:20–9:45 a.m. | HKUST Climate Science Macro Perspective: The Climate Risk Landscape Alexis Lau, head and chair professor, Division of Environment and Sustainability, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Joanne Huang, research scientist, Institute for the Environment, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology |
| 9:45–10:45 a.m. | Panel 1: From Climate Risk to Risk Transfer: Alternative Risk Transfer and Capital Market Solutions Luke Liang, senior manager, Insurance Authority Iain Reynolds, head of third party capital, Peak Re Yifan Fu, head of strategic account and Hong Kong, Aon Reinsurance Greater China Moderator: Justin Sydnor, professor and American Family Insurance Distinguished Chair in Risk Management and Insurance, Wisconsin School of Business |
| 10:45–11:00 a.m. | Break |
| 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Panel 2: From Risk Transfer to Risk Reduction: Insurance, Real Estate, and Resilient Buildings Clement Hau, chairman, Fire Insurance Association, The Hong Kong Federation of Insurers Calvin Kwan, managing director, sustainability and risk governance, Link Asset Management Limited Stella Geng, head of climate solutions, Asia Pacific, Guy Carpenter Yiki Cheng, assistant sustainability manager, Gammon Construction Limited Moderator: Christine Loh, professor and chief development strategist, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology |
| 12:00–12:30 p.m. | Closing remarks and path forward Justin Sydnor, professor and American Family Insurance Distinguished Chair in Risk Management and Insurance, Wisconsin School of Business Christine Loh, professor and chief development strategist, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology |
Suggested Hotels Nearby
Attendees are welcome to stay at any hotel of their choice, but the following options are conveniently located near the venue:
JW Marriott — approximately 1 km away (walk or MTR/Tram)
Hopewell Hotel — approximately 1.6 km away (walk or MTR/Tram)
iclub Sheung Wan Hotel — approximately 1.4 km away (walk or MTR)
Early booking is strongly recommended, as several large events will be taking place in Hong Kong during these dates and accommodations may fill quickly.
